Bertie Ahern Visits Thomond Park

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern officially launched the Thomond Park Ten Year Ticket scheme at Munster s hallowed grounds on Thursday afternoon in Limerick, in the company of Munster stars Paul O Connell and Alan Quinlan, Minister Willie O Dea, the Munster Branch IRFU, the Mayor of Limerick Diarmuid Scully and a host of local politicians and supporters.

Speaking at the grounds the Taoiseach congratulated Munster Rugby for the Ten Year Ticket initiative for their determination and commitment to improving Thomond Park, so that many more people can enjoy watching their heroes play. Paul O Connell was on hand to make a very special presentation to the Taoiseach- a customised Munster jersey.

The launch of the Thomond Park Ten Year Ticket by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, which was hosted by the President of the Munster Branch IRFU Ken Lyons, marks a new era in Munster Rugby, as the first phase of the 40 million redevelopment programme commences, bringing the grounds at Thomond Park and Musgrave Park up to a level that reflects Munster s standing in the world game and ensuring supporters would have greater access to tickets for crucial home games.

There are very few rugby followers in the world who are unaware of Thomond Park- a ground that has become synonymous with some great occasions in international and club rugby. In 1978, the unbeaten All Blacks, became the first and only All Black touring team to lose to an Irish side, beaten 12-0 by Munster in Thomond Park. Since then the aura of Thomond Parks invincibility has grown, with Munster remaining unbeaten there in eleven years of European Cup competition. Since the inception of professional rugby, Munster has become one of the most respected and best supported sides in rugby. People talk of the unique atmosphere of Thomond Park on match day and those who make the journey once, always want to return.

With the Thomond Park upgrade first on the agenda, plans are in place to expand the capacity of the ground to 26,000 to cater for the marvellous support that has built up over the years. The upgrade will include 15,000 seats and an 11,000 terrace capacity. The Munster Branch IRFU has launched the Thomond Park Ten Year Tickets with a view to fundraising for the redevelopment programme and ensuring supporters have the opportunity to enjoy the unique Thomond Park experience with superior levels of comfort while retaining its special atmosphere.

Sales of Thomond Park Ten Year tickets have been brisk since their release to the clubs, Munster Supporters Club and the general public, with a very high uptake to date. Such is the demand for tickets that the Munster Branch have released another 1000 tickets for public sale.

ThomondParkTen Year Ticket

What does it cost?

The cost per Ten Year ticket is 5,000, payable to Munster Branch IRFU.

When does it start?

The Ten Year ticket scheme commences on completion of the Thomond Park redevelopment and applies for a ten year period from this completion date.

What you get each year for the next 10 years?

Each Ten Year ticket entitles the purchaser to one seat in the newly developed East Stand

Option to purchase ticket for any other representative match run by Munster Rugby in Thomond Park (Subject to advance bookings).

Option to purchase ticket for any other home match run by Munster Rugby moved to a larger ground (e.g. quarter finals etc.).

Option to renew if scheme extended.

The redevelopment programme also includes plans to develop facilities at Musgrave Park, with a new 6,500 capacity stand in Musgrave Park and the provision of additional playing and training facilities to develop age grade rugby in the province in the pipeline. The Redevelopment Committee are also looking at the possibility of extending the option on Celtic League tickets at Musgrave Park.

Ken Lyons, President of the Munster Branch IRFU

With Munster in the final of the Heineken Cup for the third time in six years, it is time we gave the team, our current supporters and the many new ones that have joined, the facilities they deserve to enjoy the game in comfort. It is really exciting times both on the playing and development front, with Munster Rugby on the crest of a wave, and the current proposed developments of Thomond Park and Musgrave Park the biggest undertaking in 120 years of Munster Rugby.

Garrett Fitzgerald, CEO of Munster Rugby

The success of our professional team in addition to the surge in age grade rugby as a result of great work by our Youth Development Officers and the Munster Rugby Academy places more pressure on existing facilities. We currently have 19,000 age grade players in the province. The development sub committee s plans will allow us build on this phenomenal level of interest in the game. The 13,300 capacity at Thomond Park restricts our commercial ambitions, where selling combined season tickets for all Celtic League and ERC games would be a commercial priority .

Chairman of the Redevelopment Committee, Niall O Driscoll

Our ability to develop the game further will depend on us providing the appropriate structures and facilities for players at all levels, from age grade through to the professional team. The development of Thomond and Musgrave Park will also allow us provide the capacity required to accommodate the increasing number of supporters who want to share in the unique Munster Rugby experience.